Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime, several European countries, including the U.K. and Norway, along with E.U. members like Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Finland, Ireland, and Sweden, have temporarily suspended the processing of asylum applications from Syrian migrants. This development leaves the status of these applications uncertain, especially considering the significant influx of Syrian migrants during the 2015 European migration crisis. While this suspension doesn't automatically mean Syrians will be sent back, it creates a state of limbo for their asylum requests.

The European Union has officially stated that conditions are not currently suitable for the safe return of individuals to Syria. However, this shift in European policy raises questions about the United States' approach to Syrian asylum seekers. Will the U.S. follow Europe's lead and alter its policies regarding Syrian asylum cases? While the number of Syrian migrants in the U.S. is considerably smaller than in Europe, the changing political landscape in Syria may influence how these cases are handled moving forward.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, responsible for processing asylum applications, instructs its officers to consider evolving circumstances in each case. A more stable Syria could make it more challenging for Syrians to secure asylum in the U.S. As of now, the Biden administration has not announced any changes to its handling of Syrian asylum applications, and the White House has not responded to inquiries on this subject.

Another element affecting Syrian migrants in the U.S. is Temporary Protected Status (TPS), providing protection from deportation and work authorization for nationals of countries considered unsafe. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas extended and redesignated Syria for TPS until September 2025. If the succeeding administration decides against further extension or redesignation, Syrians currently under TPS who lack alternative legal status could face deportation.

The number of Syrians under TPS is relatively small, estimated at approximately 8,000 in January. Data indicates that just over 7,000 Syrians were granted asylum between 2011 and 2023. Additionally, around 741 Syrians currently have deportation orders pending. This contrasts significantly with Europe, where about 183,000 Syrians sought asylum in 2023.

The U.N. refugee agency emphasizes the need for patience and careful observation regarding the situation of Syrian migrants, highlighting that the future will depend on whether Syria's new government upholds the rule of law.